Joanikije I

Joanikije I was a monk at Hilandar, abbot of Studenica and archbishop of Serbia from 1272 to 1276, a disciple of St Sava II. He reposed in 1279 and is a saint of the Serbian Church.

The son of devout parents, he left the world in youth and became a disciple of the future archbishop Sava, whom he accompanied to Jerusalem, where he was ordained deacon and then priest. Returning, they lived long on Athos in desert labours, enduring persecution and even torments from the corsair pirates who then ravaged the Holy Mountain. When Sava returned to Serbia he took Joanikije with him, but the longing for stillness brought him back to Athos with Sava's blessing. His life was praised by all, so the abbot of Hilandar made him steward, and around 1257, at the wish of the Serbian king, the assembly of the Mountain chose him abbot of Hilandar. He led the monastery in troubled times without giving up fasting, vigils and prayer, known for love of the brethren and almsgiving. Then he gave up the office and returned to Serbia, but King Uros made him abbot of Studenica, the foundation of St Simeon Nemanja.

After Archbishop Danilo I was removed in 1272, King Uros and the synod chose Joanikije archbishop. He laboured to correct failings that had crept into the Serbian Church, and Serbia enjoyed peace, but the king's son Stefan took his throne. When Uros was driven out and withdrew to the land of Hum, Joanikije, who had promised not to part from him until death, followed him, left his throne and soon passed to eternal life in 1279. The Serbian Church would not choose another primate until the one who reposed abroad had been honoured as was fitting. After two years and nine months his relics were brought to Serbia; when the coffin was opened the body was found incorrupt and was placed with honour at Sopocani, near the body of King Uros. His successor was Eustathius I. He was archbishop four years, and the Church commemorates him on 28 May (old style) and, in the common service of the Serbian hierarchs, on 30 August.